Intel hoping to begin WiMAX rollout in 2005

Wireless broadband could get a lot faster in the next couple of years if Intel …

Intel is moving closer towards launching its WiMAX chip, as it has begun sampling the chip to "strategic partners" with an eye towards launch next year. Based on the IEEE 802.16 wireless broadband standard, WiMAX has been touted as a high-speed, wireless broadband solution for both rural and urban markets. Trial deployments are slated to begin sometime in 2005, provided the 700MHz spectrum WiMAX plans to use is "cleaned up" and made available.

"We need to free up the spectrum down there. It is occupied by pre- and post-Second World War industries of radio and analog TV. In general, during the next year or two years, spectrum issues are going to be significant, and the world needs to move toward freeing up large amounts of spectrum here for data services across large areas," [Intel Executive VP Sean] Maloney said.

For all of the promise of WiMAX, deployment will prove difficult if the spectrum cannot be cleared. The lower end of the spectrum is prime real estate for next-generation wireless technologies as signals typically have better reach. It will be up to the FCC in the US and other governmental bodies around the world to sift through the old and new technologies currently occupying or vying for desirable frequencies.

The proposed specs for 802.16e are impressive: speeds of up to 70Mbps over a range of up to 30 miles. With that kind of performance, it could be a serious alternative to Fiber-To-The-Premises, not to mention current technologies such as DSL and cable. Its promise is strong not only in rural areas currently out of broadband's reach, but also in urban areas where aging infrastructure has made reliable broadband service problematic. Intel plans to begin equipping laptops with 802.16e chips in 2006 and providing chips for handsets in 2007, and other companies such as Fujitsu are also planning WiMAX-enabled chips and products. Now if they can just get take care of that pesky bit about the cluttered spectrum...